This year has been a time of reflection and resilience for all of us at Children of Peace International (COPI). Since the passing of our beloved founder, Binh Rybacki, our team has worked tirelessly to honor her legacy by continuing the mission she held so dear.

Although her loss is felt deeply, we are dedicated to carrying on her work in Vietnam, making a difference in the lives of the children she so loved.

Success Stories: A New Generation of Graduates

One of our proudest achievements this spring has been witnessing two young women graduate from technical college in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to COPI scholarships.

Co Van in cap and gown stands proudly holding a diploma next to a woman who holds a bouquet of flowers. They stand in front of a large banner in Vietnamese that includes the words "Graduation and Bachelor’s Degree Award Ceremony" and "Early Childhood Education."

Co Van’s Journey from Volunteer to Teacher

Co Van, one of these graduates, began her journey as an aide at the School for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, where COPI regularly holds medical clinics. Binh recognized her potential and offered her a scholarship to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Development.

Today, Co Van is a teacher for children with autism and learning disabilities and continues to volunteer at the school. Even more inspiring, her daughter is now a COPI scholarship recipient studying Early Childhood Development, continuing this legacy of education and empowerment.

Co Toan’s Story: A Letter of Gratitude

Another scholarship recipient, Co Toan, also graduated this year. She shared her heartfelt gratitude for COPI’s support over the past 13 years in a letter. Here’s an excerpt:

“Today, I am very happy to share these words with you – this marks a long journey since COPI has cared for and supported me throughout my schooling, from 4th grade to my final year at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education.

… With COPI’s support, I now have a stable job as a Test Assignment officer at Bureau Veritas Vietnam Co., Ltd.

… I hope that all students currently receiving support from COPI will remember what Ms. Binh taught us and strive to do right and meaningful things in life.

Lastly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Mike, Mr. Tim, Ms. Cúc, Mr. Phước, Mr. Hiếu, Mr. Nhuyen, Ms. Việt An, and all the aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters who have supported the Foundation and us throughout this long journey. I am deeply grateful and appreciative of these precious and priceless hearts! Thank you very much.”

Co Toan in a graduation cap and gown holds a diploma and bouquet of red flowers, standing next to a smiling man holding a gift bag. The backdrop is decorated with a blue design.

These inspiring stories of Co Van and Co Toan remind us of the profound impact that COPI’s support can have on young lives. As they step confidently into their futures, we continue to build on Binh’s vision, expanding our efforts to reach even more children and communities across Vietnam.

Recent Projects: New Facilities and Vital Repairs

Here are some of the recent projects that have brought hope and opportunity to those in need.

Playground Upgrades at Hieu Nghia School in Vinh Long

Colorful playground equipment, including animal-shaped spring riders, is set up outside the Hieu Nghia School in Vinh Long, Vietnam. The school, also known as the “Key Club School,” recently received an upgraded playground with new equipment to support the physical and social development of young children.

In the southern province of Vinh Long, the Hieu Nghia School (known to us as the “Key Club School”) received a much-needed playground upgrade thanks to our generous donors, including the New England/Bermuda District of Key Club International.

The repairs and new equipment were completed this summer, giving children a safe and engaging place to play—a critical part of their development.

Restoring Sister Hai’s Xuan Phuong Charity House

Xuan Phuong Charity House, affectionately known as “Sister Hai’s House,” has served as a daycare and community center for children from poor working families. After years of wear, the building needed extensive repairs to address leaks and mold damage.

COPI’s board approved the project in June, and renovations were completed this summer. The children now have a cleaner, safer space to play and learn, and the project even employed several young workers who were once cared for at Xuan Phuong.

Workers inside the Xuan Phuong Charity House, repainting and repairing a large room with multiple doors and windows. This renovation project was supported by COPI to create a safer space for the children.
Close-up of severe mold damage on the wall and ceiling corner at the Xuan Phuong Charity House, showing the deterioration before COPI’s repair work.
Crumbling and peeling paint on the lower part of a wall at the Xuan Phuong Charity House, evidence of water damage and neglect before COPI-funded renovations.
A freshly painted room with barred windows and a clean, light green wall at the Xuan Phuong Charity House, after recent repairs funded by COPI to improve the children’s environment.

A Special Memorial for Binh Rybacki in Ho Chi Minh City

In July, Binh’s family and COPI board members traveled to Ho Chi Minh City for a memorial service at the Rex Hotel.

A large group of people seated at round tables in a banquet hall, attentively listening during a memorial event for Binh Rybacki.
A woman speaks into a microphone at Binh Rybacki's memorial, with a large screen in the background displaying a photo of Binh and her husband smiling over a birthday cake. A framed photo of Binh is placed on a table nearby.
A man speaks into a microphone at Binh Rybacki's memorial, standing next to a woman. A large screen behind them shows a joyful photo of Binh holding a gift, smiling warmly.

Friends, family, and colleagues from around the world gathered to honor her memory, sharing stories and paying tribute to her legacy of compassion and dedication.

It was a meaningful time of remembrance and connection, helping those who loved Binh process their grief and renew their commitment to COPI’s mission.

Ongoing Outreach: Medical Clinics, Scholarships, and More

Supplying Students in Vinh Long

On August 17, COPI’s Project Manager, Mr. Nhuyen, and team members delivered 10,000 writing tablets and COPI book bags to 500 elementary school students in Vinh Long, helping equip them with the supplies they need for a successful school year.

A man speaks at a podium decorated with flowers, in front of a green curtain and a red banner with Vietnamese text at a COPI-sponsored event in Vinh Long Province, Vietnam. The event celebrates the distribution of school supplies to students in need.
A group of young students in plaid uniforms hold up COPI book bags, standing alongside adults at a school supply distribution event in Vinh Long Province, Vietnam. A red banner and Vietnamese flags hang in the background.

Medical Clinics and Scholarships in the Mekong Delta

In September, a team of 26 COPI volunteers traveled to Vinh Long, conducting three medical clinics and treating 448 children.

Volunteers and healthcare workers, seated at tables covered with medical supplies, provide check-ups for young children at a COPI medical clinic in Vietnam.
A volunteer in a yellow apron smiles and interacts with young children in a line at the Xuan Phuong Charity House. The children, holding food items, are part of a community event supported by COPI.
Students sit around a table with COPI book bags in front of them, listening attentively during a COPI-led scholarship distribution event in Vietnam.
A healthcare professional wearing a mask and protective gear examines a young boy's mouth during a COPI-sponsored medical clinic in Vietnam. Other children wait for their turn in the background.
Group of students and adults pose together in a classroom, with the students holding COPI book bags. A red and green banner with Vietnamese text is visible in the background.
A group of children in school uniforms stand on stage holding COPI book bags, with two adults on each side. A banner with Vietnamese text hangs behind them.

They also distributed scholarships to 63 students across three communities (Trung An, Binh Minh and Tra On), providing each recipient with writing tablets and a book bag.

New Kindergarten Classrooms in Sapa

In the northern town of Sapa, COPI is partnering with local officials to construct new kindergarten classrooms, thanks to funding from the New England/ Bermuda District of Key Club.

Architectural drawing of a classroom building, showing a front elevation view with multiple doors and windows. The plans include measurements and technical details, part of a COPI project to construct new kindergarten classrooms in Vietnam.

This project will create a safe, welcoming space for children in this remote, mountainous area, though recent typhoon damage has delayed the timeline.

Please keep this region in your thoughts as the community recovers.

Looking Ahead: 2024 and Beyond

Upcoming Service Trips and Scholarship Distributions

In early October, COPI volunteers distributed 200 additional scholarships in Phu Yen province, marking the conclusion of our major service projects for the year.

Next January, our team from the U.S. will travel to Vietnam for the annual administrative trip, ensuring we’re prepared to continue and expand our programs in 2024.

Strengthening COPI’s Online Presence

While our team in Vietnam serves children and families on the ground, the COPI board in the U.S. has been hard at work strengthening the organization’s infrastructure.

This includes working with Barefoot Design Collective (now called Aligned Soul Design) to improve our website and online presence, helping us keep supporters better informed and engaged. We invite you to follow our journey on Facebook and to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest projects and ways you can help make a difference.

Thank you for standing with us as we carry forward Binh’s mission. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on the lives of Vietnam’s children.

Your support is vital—whether through a donation, sharing our work, or simply staying informed, every action helps us continue providing education, healthcare, and hope to those in need. If you’re moved to contribute, please consider making a donation today to help us carry on Binh’s legacy.

Join us in making a difference. Donate here to support Vietnam’s most vulnerable children.